U.S. patent application number 15/483816 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-27 for waste container with weight-measurement system.
This patent application is currently assigned to BACE, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is BACE, LLC. Invention is credited to Matt HATFIELD, Matthew PERRY, Drew SIGMUND, JR., Frederick WAITE.
Application Number | 20170211969 15/483816 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59360395 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170211969 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WAITE; Frederick ; et
al. |
July 27, 2017 |
WASTE CONTAINER WITH WEIGHT-MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A weight-measurement system for inclusion or use with a waste
container includes scale devices in communication with a remote
computer via a communications module. The scale devices can be
provided by load cells for example load-pin load cells used as
axles for wheels mounted to a base frame supporting the waste
container so that the wheeled base frame serves as a scale platform
for the waste container. The remote computer can be programmed to
receive from the load cells, via the communications module, weight
data representing the total weight of the waste container and its
waste contents, then deduct the known weight of the waste container
when empty, to determine the actual weight of the waste contained
in the waste container. And the computer can be programmed for
providing a notification if a preset waste weight limit is met or
neared and automatically scheduling emptying by a waste-collection
vehicle.
Inventors: |
WAITE; Frederick;
(Huntersville, NC) ; SIGMUND, JR.; Drew;
(Matthews, NC) ; HATFIELD; Matt; (Huntersville,
NC) ; PERRY; Matthew; (Monroe, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BACE, LLC |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BACE, LLC
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
59360395 |
Appl. No.: |
15/483816 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13690574 |
Nov 30, 2012 |
|
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15483816 |
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62319868 |
Apr 8, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/1405 20130101;
B30B 9/3046 20130101; B09B 5/00 20130101; G01G 19/52 20130101; G01G
21/22 20130101; G01G 19/00 20130101; B30B 9/3007 20130101; B65F
1/1473 20130101; B65F 2210/128 20130101; B65F 2210/184
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01G 19/52 20060101
G01G019/52; G01G 23/36 20060101 G01G023/36; B65F 1/14 20060101
B65F001/14; G01G 21/28 20060101 G01G021/28; G01G 21/23 20060101
G01G021/23; B09B 5/00 20060101 B09B005/00; G01G 19/393 20060101
G01G019/393 |
Claims
1. A waste container system for use with a remote computer,
comprising: a container for storing waste; and a weight-measurement
system including scale devices and a communications system, where
the communications system includes a communications module with
wireless components for sending weight data from the scale devices
to the remote computer, wherein the scale devices are provided by
load cells supporting the waste container and the stored waste with
all of the weight of the waste container and the stored waste
transmitted to the load cells to deflect the load cells and create
electrical signals directly proportional the load-cell deflection,
wherein the load-cell scale devices are integral to the waste
container, wherein the electrical signals represent the weight data
that is transmitted by the communications system to the remote
computer, and wherein the load-cell scale devices measure the
weight of the waste container and the stored waste.
2. The waste container system of claim 1, further including wheel
assemblies with wheels that support and enable rolling movement of
the waste container.
3. The waste container system of claim 2, wherein the load cells
are incorporated into the wheel assemblies.
4. The waste container system of claim 3, wherein the load cells
are load-pin load cells onto which the wheels are mounted so that
the load cells dual-function as the scale devices and as axles for
the wheels.
5. The waste container system of claim 4, wherein the wheel
assemblies further include housings with side plates defining
openings through which the load cells extend, with the load cells
fixedly mounted to the housing side plates, and with the wheels
rotationally mounted to the load cells.
6. The waste container system of claim 4, wherein the wheel
assemblies further include housings to which the load cells are
mounted and brace members that are received in slots of the load
cells to prevent axial and rotational motion of the load cells
relative to the housings.
7. The waste container system of claim 2, wherein the load cells
are double-ended shear-beam load cells mounted between the wheels
and the waste container.
8. The waste container system of claim 2, wherein the load cells
are S-beam or double-ended shear-beam load cells mounted between
the wheels and the waste container so that the waste container
floats on the load cells.
9. The waste container system of claim 1, wherein the wheels are
substantially rigid and experience substantially no deformation
under the weight of the supported waste container and the stored
waste.
10. A weight-measurement wheel assembly for a waste container
system including a waste container and a communications system, the
weight-measurement wheel assembly comprising: a housing that is
mountable to the waste container, a load-cell scale device mounted
to the housing and operably connectable to the communications
system, and a wheel mounted to the load-cell scale device, wherein
in use when mounted to the waste container all of the weight of the
waste container and the stored waste is transmitted to the load
cell to deflect the load cell and create an electrical signal
directly proportional the load-cell deflection and representing
weight data that is transmitted by the communications system to the
remote computer so that the load-cell scale device measures the
weight of the waste container and the stored waste, and wherein the
load cell dual-functions as the scale device and as the axle for
the wheel.
11. The weight-measurement wheel assembly of claim 10, wherein the
housing includes side plates defining openings through which the
load cell extends, with the load cell fixedly mounted to the
housing side plates, and with the wheel rotationally mounted to the
load cell.
12. The weight-measurement wheel assembly of claim 10, wherein the
wheel assembly further includes a brace member that is received in
a slot of the load cell to prevent axial and rotational motion of
the load cell relative to the housing.
13. The weight-measurement wheel assembly of claim 10, wherein the
wheel is substantially rigid and in use experiences substantially
no deformation under the weight of the supported waste container
and the stored waste.
14. A plurality of the weight-measurement wheel assemblies, in
combination with the waste container, the communications system, or
both, of claim 10.
15. A method of measuring the weight of waste in a waste container,
comprising: receiving, from a communications system of the waste
container, weight data representing the total weight of the waste
container and the stored waste; accessing the weight of the waste
container when empty; deducting the weight of the waste container
when empty from the total weight of the waste container and the
stored waste to determine the weight of the waste in the waste
container.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the weight data includes a
signal generated by a load cell supporting and incorporated into
the waste container, wherein the load cell is a load-pin load cell
onto which a wheel supporting the waste container is mounted so
that the load cell dual-functions as a scale device and as an axle
for the wheel.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the weight data includes
multiple weight datum generated by multiple load cells supporting
and incorporated into the waste container, and wherein the method
further comprises summing the weight data to determine the total
weight of the waste container and the stored waste.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises
receiving a preset waste weight limit, comparing the preset waste
weight limit to the determined weight of the waste in the waste
container, and if the determined weight of the waste in the waste
container is equal to or a predefined portion of the preset waste
weight limit then generating a notification to a user.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises
receiving a preset waste weight limit, comparing the preset waste
weight limit to the determined weight of the waste in the waste
container, and if the determined weight of the waste in the waste
container is equal to or a predefined portion of the preset waste
weight limit then sending to the communications system of the waste
container a signal to disable the waste container.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage device storing
instruictions for performing the method of claim 15.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/319,868, filed Apr. 8,
2016, and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/690,574, filed Nov.
30, 2012, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to equipment for
containing waste, and particularly to waste-containing equipment
for monitoring the contained waste for timely emptying thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Waste containers are commonly used to store rubbish until
they can be emptied and their contents hauled away by a garbage
truck or other waste-collection vehicle. Such waste containers
include large-scale mechanized equipment (such as compactors,
balers, etc.) and non-mechanized units (dumpsters, open-tops,
recycling containers, etc.). These waste containers are commonly
used at many types of sites, such as industrial facilities,
commercial buildings, apartment buildings, construction sites, and
so forth. And these waste containers are commonly used to store all
types of waste, including corrugated cardboard; paper; objects or
scraps of plastic, nonferrous metals (e.g., aluminum), glass,
and/or other recyclable materials; food waste; yard waste;
building-material waste; and other dry and wet waste.
[0004] There are tremendous monies associated with the disposal
and/or selling of the waste (recyclable and non-recyclable)
materials. For some situations, the weight of the waste material is
used to determine disposal fees or selling prices (e.g., by haulers
as well as by landfills or recyclers). And for some situations,
there are "tipping" charges for regularly scheduled (e.g., weekly)
emptying of the waste containers. So systems have been developed in
an effort to determine the weight of the waste and/or the fullness
of the waste container to thereby provide more transparency in
these financial transactions (disposal and/or selling), to avoid
excessive tipping charges (from premature emptying), and/or to
avoid fines for weight overages when hauling away. However, known
measuring systems have drawbacks, for example weight measurements
that can be insufficiently accurate (estimates converted from
fullness measurements), external components and attachment
positions that can cause interference issues, limited retrofit
capabilities, and/or too-high costs.
[0005] Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for better ways
of measuring waste in waste containers. It is to the provision of
solutions to this and other problems that the present invention is
primarily directed.
SUMMARY
[0006] Generally described, the present invention relates to a
weight-measurement system for inclusion or use with a waste
container. The weight-measurement system includes scale devices in
communication with a remote computer via a communications module.
The scale devices can be provided by load cells for example
load-pin load cells used as axles for wheels mounted to a base
frame supporting the waste container so that the wheeled base frame
serves as a scale platform for the waste container. The remote
computer can be programmed to receive from the load cells, via the
communications module, weight data representing the total weight of
the waste container and its waste contents, then deduct the known
weight of the waste container when empty, to determine the actual
weight of the waste contained in the waste container. And the
computer can be programmed for providing a notification if a preset
waste weight limit is met or neared and automatically scheduling
emptying by a waste-collection vehicle.
[0007] The specific techniques and structures employed to improve
over the drawbacks of the prior devices and accomplish the
advantages described herein will become apparent from the following
detailed description of example embodiments and the appended
drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a waste container system outfitted
with a weight-measurement system according to a first example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the waste container and
weight-measurement system of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the waste container and
weight-measurement system of FIG. 1 without wheel assemblies.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the weight-measurement
system of FIG. 1, including scale devices and communications
systems.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the waste
container and weight-measurement system of FIG. 1, showing one of
the scale devices as a load cell used as an axle for a wheel
assembly of the waste container.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows the waste container portion of FIG. 5 without
the corresponding wheel assembly mounted to it.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the wheel assembly of FIG.
5.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the wheel
assembly of FIG. 7.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a side view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the wheel assembly
of FIG. 9 taken at line 10-10.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a waste
container system outfitted with a weight-measurement system
according to a second example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a waste
container system outfitted with a weight-measurement system
according to a third example embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The present invention generally relates to a scaling system
that can be used in the waste and recycling sector to weigh the
waste contents of a waste container. As used herein, the term
"waste" is broadly intended to include recyclable and
non-recyclable materials and the term "waste container system" is
broadly intended to include large-capacity commercial/industrial
compactors, balers, etc., as identified in the background section
above. Also, any dimensions disclosed in this or any related
application are representative of a typical commercial embodiment
and are provided for illustration purposes only, and thus are not
limiting of the invention.
[0021] FIGS. 1-10 show a waste container system 100 outfitted with
a weight-measurement system 140 according to a first example
embodiment of the invention. The weight-measurement system 140 can
be used to accurately weigh the waste container 100. The
weight-measurement system 140 does this by utilizing the waste
container 100 as a scale base/platform for supporting the waste
material that is being weighed. With the weight of the waste
container 100 when empty being a predetermined/known fixed value,
and with the weight of the waste container when containing waste
being accurately determinable by the weight-measurement system 140,
the weight of the waste contents can be accurately determined.
[0022] Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-4, the waste container
system 100 that the weight-measurement system 140 can be used with
may be of any conventional type such as the depicted large-capacity
self-contained compactor. In the depicted embodiment, the
compactor-type waste container 100 includes a charge chamber 102
that initially receives the waste materials (not shown) to be
compacted and a compacting chamber 104 in which the received waste
materials are compacted and stored. The charge chamber 102 and the
compacting chamber 104 together form a unitary compacting/storage
container 106 (also referred to as the "can"). A charge opening 108
at one end of the overall container 106 provides insertion access
to the charge chamber 102 and a hinged dump door 110 at the
opposite end of the overall chamber provides removal access to the
compacting chamber 104. The compacting/storage container 106
includes left and right sidewalls 112 and a bottom wall 114
extending the full container length, and a top wall 116 extending
the compacting chamber 104 length.
[0023] A powered compacting mechanism (not shown) typically
includes a hydraulically operated ram that moves horizontally
within the overall container 106 from the charge chamber 102 toward
the compacting chamber 104. A compaction control system (not shown)
includes conventional control components and connections for safely
operating the hydraulic ram. Also, options for the waste container
100 typically include dog houses, hoppers, and/or chutes for
feeding the waste into the charge chamber 104.
[0024] A base frame 118 includes support rails 120 and a plurality
(e.g., typically four, optionally six or more) of wheel assemblies
122 to support and enable easy movement of the compacting/storage
container 106. The support rails 120 can form a lattice or grid
structural framework, as depicted, and a plate or panel can be
mounted over this and be separate from or serve as the bottom wall
of the waste container. In the depicted embodiment, the
compacting/storage container 106 and the base frame 118 are
attached together to form an integral unit. In other embodiments,
the compacting/storage container is removably mounted on the
wheeled base frame so that it can be removed for emptying while the
wheeled base frame (and at least the weight-measurement scale
devices of the weight-measurement system 140 mounted to it) remains
onsite.
[0025] In use, waste materials are fed into the charge chamber 102
through the charge opening 108. The waste materials are then pushed
toward the compacting chamber 104, and are compacted therein, by
the hydraulic ram. The compacted waste then remains stored within
the compacting chamber 106, preferably until the compacting chamber
is substantially completely filled with compacted waste materials.
The waste container 100, along with the compacted/stored waste
therein, is then hauled to a collection and/or waste disposal
facility where the compacted waste is dumped or otherwise removed
from the compacting/storage container 106 for example through the
dump door 110.
[0026] Such compactor waste container systems 100 are commercially
available from numerous suppliers, including BACE, LLC (Charlotte,
N.C.). As the waste container 100 can be of such a conventional
type, and additional structural and operational details are not
needed for a complete understanding of the invention, such
additional details are excluded for brevity.
[0027] The weight-measurement system 140 can be used to weigh the
waste contents of the waste container system 100. The
weight-measurement system 140 for each the waste container 100
includes a plurality of scale devices 142 for weight sensing and a
communications system 144 that includes a communications module 146
to which the scale devices are operably connected. In the depicted
embodiment, for example, the scale devices 142 are connected to the
communications module 146 by wiring 148 such as a control cable and
an electric power cable routed along and attached to the
compacting/storage container 106. This wiring 148 can be bundled
together with hydraulic lines for the hydraulic ram and connectable
to the compaction control unit (not shown, can be integrated with
the communications module 146) for the hydraulic ram, or it can run
separately from the hydraulic lines. In other embodiments, the
scale devices are connected to the communications module by
conventional wireless technology, with the scale devices and the
communications system each including an antenna and a transmitter
or receiver (or transceiver).
[0028] The communications module 146 includes conventional wireless
communications components such as an antenna and a transceiver (or
just a transmitter in some embodiments for send-only capability)
for communicating wirelessly via a wireless communications network
150 (such as the Internet or a cellular system) with a remote
computer 152 that runs application software 154 operable to
manipulate and display data received from the communications module
(see FIG. 4). The communications module 146 can include a power
supply (e.g., a battery, solar panel, or electrical connection for
receiving power from a nearby source) or be powered by the same
power supply as the compaction control unit for the hydraulic
ram.
[0029] The remote computer 152 includes a non-transitory
computer-readable storage device (e.g., a conventional computer
memory device) that stores the application software 154 and a
processor (e.g., a conventional microprocessor) that executes the
instruction sets of the application software 154. The remote
computer 152 is operably connected to at least one input device
(e.g., a keyboard/keypad and a mouse or other pointing device) and
at least one output device (e.g., a monitor or other display
screen) for interfacing use by a user. As such, the remote computer
152 can be provided by a conventional desktop, laptop, or tablet
computer, or by a smartphone or other handheld mobile electronic
device.
[0030] In this way, the scale devices 142 measure an indication of
the weight of the waste-loaded waste container 100 and communicate
that weight data via the communications module 146 to the remote
computer 152. And the remote computer 152 and application software
154 receive that weight data and process it to accurately determine
the weight of the waste currently present in the waste container
100 and optionally provide additional functionality based
thereon.
[0031] The programmed computer 152/154 is programmed to determine
the weight of the waste present in the waste container 100 at the
time by deducting the known weight of the empty waste container
from the determined weight of the waste container 100 and its waste
contents. The known weight of the empty waste container is a fixed
value that can be stored on the storage device on the remote
computer 152 and accessed for the particular waste container 100
being monitored. Typically, a range of different types and sizes of
waste containers are monitored and serviced, with the different
types and sizes of waste containers having different empty weights.
So the weight of each type and size of waste container in use is
stored, and the particular type and size of the particular waste
container at each particular site is stored, then for determining
the waste weight the programmed computer 152/154 identifies the
type and size of the waste container and looks up the corresponding
empty weight to use.
[0032] The determined (i.e., measured) weight of the waste
container 100 and its waste contents is based on the weight data
measured by and received from the scaling devices 142. For example,
in typical embodiments with a plurality of the scaling devices 142,
the programmed computer 152/154 is programmed to sum the weight
data from the scaling devices 142 to determine the total weight of
the waste container 100 and its waste contents, then deduct the
known weight of the empty waste container to obtain an accurate
measurement of the weight of the waste present in the waste
container at the time. In the depicted embodiment with four of the
scaling devices 142 (one for each wheel assembly 122), the
programmed computer 152/154 thus totals the four pieces of weight
data to determine the total weight of the waste container 100 and
its waste contents. In this embodiment, weight of the waste
container 100 and its waste contents, and the known weight of the
empty waste container, each include the weight of the supported
components of the weight-measurement system 140 (e.g., the
communications module 146, wiring 148, and wheel housing 156), and
each exclude the weight of the wheels 158 and the axel load cells
142 (these components are detailed below).
[0033] In other embodiments with a plurality of the scaling devices
142, the programmed computer 152/154 is programmed to average the
weight data measured by and received from the scaling devices 142
(e.g., by totaling the four pieces of weight data then dividing
that total by four) for using this average to represent the total
weight of the waste container 100 and its waste contents and then
deducting a correspondingly averaged empty container weight. And in
other embodiments, the communications module 146 includes a
microprocessor that performs this weight-determining operation
locally and sends the determined waste weight to the remote
computer 152.
[0034] The determined weight of the waste present in the waste
container 100 at the time can then be output to a user (by a
display screen, an alarm, etc.) and/or used by the programmed
computer 152/154 for performing further functions. For example, the
programmed computer 152/154 can be programmed to receive and store
a preset weight limit (e.g., in pounds or kilograms) entered by a
user, compare the determined waste weight to the preset weight
limit, and generate and send alarms, alerts, or other notifications
upon the preset weight limit being reached or neared (e.g.,
notifications can be sent at one or more preset levels such as 70%,
80%, and 90% of the preset limit). The notifications can be for
example a message displayed by the remote computer 152 and/or sent
electronically to another electronic device.
[0035] A notified user can then schedule a pickup (e.g., a
waste-collection vehicle sent to the site for emptying the waste
container 100) based on this data (e.g., upon the preset weight
limit being reached or neared). In some embodiments, the programmed
computer 152/154 is programmed for automatically scheduling pickups
upon the preset weight limit being reached. To implement this
automatic-scheduling functionality, the programmed computer 152/154
includes or interfaces with a scheduling system for a fleet of
waste-collection vehicles. In some embodiments, the pickup history
(e.g., determined waste weights when scheduling pickup and later at
the time of the actual pickup) for each waste container 100 is
stored (e.g., on the storage device), the current pickup lead time
(e.g., how soon a waste-collection vehicle can be sent) is
regularly updated and accessible, and the programmed computer
152/154 is programmed to access this data and based thereon
automatically schedule a next pickup for a time when the waste
weight is expected to be is very close to but still below the
predetermined weight limit.
[0036] In addition, the programmed computer 152/154 can be further
programmed to remotely disable the waste container 100 once it
reaches a predefined maximum capacity (i.e., load limit) beyond
which the waste container exceeds transport weight limits. This
maximum capacity can additionally or alternatively be predefined
based on other factors such as avoiding overloading (e.g.,
volumetrically or structurally) the waste container 100. In some
embodiments, the predefined maximum capacity and the preset weight
limit are the same once-entered value and in other embodiments
these can be two separate pieces of data.
[0037] For example, the programmed computer 152/154 can be
programmed to receive and store a predefined maximum capacity
(e.g., in pounds or kilograms) entered by a user and then compare
the determined waste weight to the predefined maximum capacity.
Upon the programmed computer 152/154 determining that the measured
waste weight has reached (or exceeded) the predefined maximum
weight, it operates to have a signal sent (e.g., via the
communications module 146) to the compaction control unit to
disable the hydraulic ram (e.g., by opening a limit switch or
otherwise preventing electric power/signals from reaching and
operating the hydraulic ram), thereby preventing further waste
loading of the waste container.
[0038] In this way, the user of the waste container 100 can avoid
for example government fines for hauling waste loads that exceed
the legal weight maximums set for the particular roadway being used
when hauling the waste container 100 to a dump site. These
overweight fines are charged back to the user of the waste
container 100 even though there was previously no reliable way to
determine that the weight maximum had been exceeded before the
waste had left the site. Conversely, because the programmed
computer 152/154 can determine the appropriate time to send a
notification that the waste container 100 should be picked up for
emptying based on the determined current weight of the waste
(rather than regularly, e.g., every week), the users of the waste
container save money because there are no unnecessary pickups when
the waste container may still have capacity (e.g., when at only 20%
capacity).
[0039] Moreover, in embodiments in which the communications module
146 includes a transceiver (instead of only a transmitter), the
programmed computer 152/154 can be programmed to send signals to
the communications module for example for calibration purposes.
Also, in embodiments in which the waste container and/or the
weight-measurement system 140 include security-monitoring equipment
(anti-tampering devices, motion detectors, etc.) in communication
with the communications module 146, the programmed computer 152/154
can be programmed for generating and sending alarms or other
notifications based on security-related data received from the
communications module 146. And the programmed computer 152/154 can
be programmed for determining revenue-related information based on
the determined waste weights and pickups/emptyings over time,
generate reports including the revenue-related information, and
output (e.g., display or send electronically) the reports for
review by users.
[0040] In typical embodiments, a service-provider user/company
provides the waste container 100 and also services it using the
weight-measurement system 140 by monitoring its weight, scheduling
pickups for emptying, performing such pickups, etc. And the
programmed computer 152/154 can be an Internet server and the
service-provider company can have an Internet website (e.g., hosted
by the Internet server) where it displays this information for
accessing/reviewing by its customers (i.e., the actual
waste-generating users) of the waste containers 100.
[0041] Details of related communications and control systems are
disclosed by U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0156541 (U.S.
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/690,574 filed Nov.
30, 2012), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Also,
such communications modules 146 and programmed computers 152/154
can be of a conventional type, and additional structural and
operational details are not needed for a complete understanding of
the invention, so such additional details are excluded for
brevity.
[0042] With particular reference to FIGS. 5-10, structural and
operational details of the scale devices 142 will now be described.
The scale devices 142 are positioned supporting the waste container
106 and its contents, typically mounted to the base 118 below the
container. The scale devices 142 can be provided by load cells that
are incorporated into the wheel assemblies 122 to measure an
applied force by creating a proportional electrical signal. In
typical embodiments, the scale devices 142 are strain gauge load
cells of a conventional type, preferably loadpin-type load cells
used as axles of the wheel assemblies 122, so no additional or
separate axle is included. In other embodiments, other types of
load cells can be used, such as compression or shear-beam designs.
Generally described, the weight placed into the waste container 100
pushes down on the wheel assemblies 122 with this force
substantially absorbed by and generating deflection of the load
cell axles 142. This deflection is converted into an electrical
signal which is directly proportional the deflection and thus
corresponds to and is read as a weight. This measured weight data
is then transmitted via the communications systems 144 to the
remote computer 152 for use in determining the waste weight (as
described above). This measured weight data can also be transmitted
via the communications systems 144 to other electronic devices for
use by the service-providing company and/or the waste-generating
user of the waste container 100.
[0043] The depicted axle load cells 142 are incorporated into the
wheel assemblies 122, that is, they dual-function as the wheel
axles and also measure the supported weight. Because the axle load
cells 142 are used in place of conventional wheel axles, they are
integrated into the waste container 100 so that no external (i.e.,
extra and dedicated component mounted to and extending from the
container) weight-measuring component is required. In this way, the
waste container 100 does not need to be raised to insert a
weight-measuring pad underneath it, so there is no height/elevation
interference with overhead chutes (for delivering waste into the
container) or other related parts of the installation.
[0044] The axle load cells 142 are typically generally cylindrical
and provided as a component in the assembled weight-measurement
wheel assemblies 122. The wheel assemblies 122 each include a
housing 156, one of the cylindrical axle load cells 142 fixedly
mounted to the housing 156, and a wheel 158 rotationally mounted to
the axle load cell. The axle load cells 142 can be fixedly mounted
to the housing 156 by a brace member 164 with a portion that is
received in a slot 165 of the corresponding axle load cell to
retain the corresponding wheel 158 from relative axial and
rotational movement, or by tab-and-slot or other mating keyed
features. And the wheels 158 can each be rotationally mounted to
the corresponding axle load cell 142 by a rolling bearing or
bushing 159 to facilitate smooth rotation of the wheel about the
axle load cell.
[0045] In typical embodiments, the housing 156 includes a mounting
plate 160 and two side plates 162 that are spaced apart to receive
the wheel 158 between them. The mounting plate 160 can be generally
horizontally oriented and the side plates 162 can extend generally
vertically downward from opposite ends of the mounting plate,
together forming an inverted U-shaped bracket. The side plates 162
each include an opening through which the axle load cell 142 is
received for mounting the axle load cell and thus the wheel 158 to
the housing 156, so all the supported weight is transmitted from
the container 106 through the housing to the axel load cells. Or
the axle load cells can be mounted at their ends to support
brackets mounted to the housing side plates. A spacer or bumper 161
(e.g., made of UHMW polyethylene) can be inserted between each side
of the wheel 158 and each of the housing side plates 162 to
facilitate smooth wheel rotation. The housing mounting plates 160
of the wheel assemblies 122 can be mounted to the base frame 118,
or directly to the compacting/storing container 106, at mounting
locations 166 (e.g., at four corners of a generally rectangular
compacting/storing container), by conventional fasteners such as
the depicted bolts.
[0046] The wheels 158 can be of a conventional size that is
typically used for the waste container 100 for the particular
application (no modification or customization is typically needed
for use in the weight-measurement system 140). Typically, the
wheels 158 are substantially rigid and solid (i.e., not hollow and
inflatable), for example made of steel, so that they experience
substantially no deformation under the load of the waste container
100 and its waste contents, and thus so that the load cells 142
accurately measure the supported load. In other embodiments, the
wheels are not solid (e.g., they have internal cavities) but they
include a sufficiently strong material, internal ribs or other
reinforcements, or other conventional design and/or construction
features, such that they are nevertheless substantially rigid and
thus experience substantially no deformation under the load of the
waste container and its waste contents.
[0047] In typical embodiments such as that depicted, the axle load
cells 142 are rated at 0.5 mV output at 12,500 pounds, with a
20,000 pound capacity, and made primarily of nickel-plated or
stainless steel (or another material selected for strength and
durability). Also, the axle load cells 142 include a connector 168
for connecting the wiring 148 in hard-wired embodiments. Axle load
cells 142 that can be modified for this use are commercially
available from Measurement Systems International (Seattle, Wash.),
a division of Rice Lake Weighing Systems Company (Rice Lake,
Wis.).
[0048] In the embodiment described herein, the weight-measurement
system 140 is provided in combination with the waste container 100
as an integrated assembly. In other embodiments, the
weight-measurement system 140 is provided as a retrofit kit for
installation (e.g., on-site) on an existing waste container 100
without a compatible communications system 144. In such
embodiments, the weight-measurement system 140 in its entirety
(including the wheel assemblies 122 with the scale devices 142 and
including the communications system 144 with the communications
module 146) is mounted to and includes the base frame 118 adapted
to be inserted under and support the existing waste container 100.
In yet other embodiments, the weight-measurement wheel assemblies
122 (including the axle load cells 142) by themselves (e.g., four
of them) are provided as a retrofit kit for installation (e.g.,
on-site) on an existing waste container 100 with a communications
system 144 (e.g., by swapping out conventional wheel assemblies
with the weight-measurement wheel assemblies in the field and
wiring them to the communications module 146. And in still other
embodiments, the invention relates to a method of measuring the
weight of waste in a waster container, for example stored on a
non-transitory computer-readable storage device, for implementing
the above-described functionality of using the load cells to
measure the weight of the waste container and its waste contents
and then determine the weight of the waste contents as the
remainder after deducting the weight of the waste container.
[0049] In other embodiments of the weight-measurement system, four
(or another number) of the axle-type load cells are used as axles
for four (or another number) of wheels for a scaling frame or
platform on which the bottom of the waste container rests and is
supported to measure the weight of the waste container and the
waste contents. And in other embodiments, one or more load cells
are included in a pulley system configured for measuring the weight
of the waste container and the waste contents.
[0050] FIG. 11 shows a waste container 200 outfitted with a
weight-measurement system 240 according to a second example
embodiment of the invention. The waste container 200 and the
weight-measurement system 240 of this embodiment can be
substantially the same as those described above, with noted
exceptions. In particular, in this embodiment, instead of a
load-pin load cell used as the axle for each wheel 258, each of the
wheel assemblies 222 has a respective double-ended shear-beam load
cell 241 mounted between it (e.g., its housing 256) and the waste
container (e.g., its frame 218 or container bottom) 200 to measure
the weight of the waste container and its waste contents. Suitable
such DESB-type load cells are known in the art and commercially
available from various manufacturers. In this embodiment, weight of
the waste container 200 and its waste contents, and the known
weight of the empty waste container, each additionally exclude the
weight of the entire wheel assemblies 222.
[0051] FIG. 12 shows a waste container 300 outfitted with a
weight-measurement system 340 according to a third example
embodiment of the invention. The waste container 300 and the
weight-measurement system 340 of this embodiment can be
substantially the same as those described above, with noted
exceptions. In particular, in this embodiment, instead of a
load-pin load cell used as the axle for each wheel, the
charge/storage container 306 floats on S-beam or double-ended
shear-beam load cells 343 that are fixed to the base frame 318 (or
to another support structure such as a floor). A hand lever is
linked to the load cells 343 and operable to change the weighing
system from a live weighing mode when stationary to a lock-out mode
when the container 306 is rolled off the base frame 318 for
emptying. Suitable such S-beam and/or DESB-type load cells are
known in the art and commercially available from various
manufacturers. In this embodiment, weight of the waste container
300 and its waste contents, and the known weight of the empty waste
container, each additionally exclude the weight of the base framer
318.
[0052] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to
the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described
and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example
only. Thus, the terminology is intended to be broadly construed and
is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. For
example, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "one" include the plural,
the term "or" means "and/or," and reference to a particular
numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, any methods
described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of
steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless
expressly stated otherwise herein.
[0053] While the invention has been shown and described in example
forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the following claims.
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